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Catching Up With: Shaun Bodiford

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:44:29 CST

"The act or state of moving rapidly," is what Webster's New World College Dictionary defines as speed. This can also be a definition for the play of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Shaun Bodiford.

After being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Lions, Bodiford stepped in as the Green and Gold's main kick returner in 2006.

Bodiford's season was cut short by a leg injury during the Packers 23-16 victory over the Vikings in week ten, but is now prepared to run wild on opponents in 2007.

Packers.com recently sat down with the speedy receiver to cover his offseason progress.

Packers.com: What have you been up to in the offseason?
Bodiford: I went back to Portland State. There were a couple of classes I needed to take to finish up school and get my degree. That meant a lot to me. Sports wise, I've been training with a personal trainer and trying to rehab my leg the right way. I'm ready to show the Packers fans and the coa..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:49:22 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

This week's collection of Packers Fan Memories consists of Green and Gold supporters who love to see the Pack ground the Eagles, a family gathering in Green Bay and many lasting memories from Packers Fan Fest 2007.

I saw my first game at Lambeau Field in December 1979 when the Packers beat the Philadelphia Eagles. Two of my children were also born in Green Bay in the 1980's, so we've been Packers fans since. My son Josh, his wife Carrie and I have been to the last two Packers-Eagles games and we are always looking for the G..

Catching Up With: Brandon Miree

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:08:07 CST

After scoring five touchdowns in his first organized game as a seventh grader, Brandon Miree always knew he would collect a paycheck for playing the game of football.

Brought in specifically for his knowledge and playmaking ability surrounding the zone-blocking scheme, the third year player from Pitt has now entrenched himself as the Green and Gold's starting fullback.

After missing playing time due to injury in 2006, Miree is healed up and primed for a big year in Titletown.

Packers.com recently sat down with the bruising fullback to cover his offseason progress.

Packers.com: What have you been doing this offseason?
Miree: I've mainly been in Cincinnati. That's really been my base of operations this offseason. I've gotten out and about though. I've been to Atlanta, Nashville, New York, Denver, Mexico and some other places. I've been a lot of different places just ripping and running.

Why so many different locations..

Strong Pass Protection, With Less Help, Should Make Passing Game More Efficient

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:24:48 CST
One of the biggest reasons quarterback Brett Favre was sacked just 19 times while attempting an NFL-high 613 passes in 2006 was that the Packers' offense often kept extra blockers in to pass protect.

But the frequent use of that seven-man protection scheme - which keeps either two tight ends or a tight end and a running back in to block along with the five down linemen - came at a price.

With extra pass protection, Favre often had only three receiving options downfield, and that in part contributed to a career-low 56 percent completion rate on the season.

One of Head Coach Mike McCarthy's points of emphasis with the passing game for the upcoming season is to improve that completion percentage. And he's confident that will happen as his young offensive line, which had three rookies combine for 38 starts in 2006, doesn't need as much extra help in 2007.

"We can't throw the ball for 56 percent," McCarthy told a group of reporters at the annual owners'..

Thompson Wants Young Players To Grow

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:13:07 CST
It's clear that Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson has been very selective in his approach to free agency this off-season.

But the reasons go beyond simply being cautious about possibly overpaying for a high-priced player when so many teams have ample salary cap space.

Thompson's approach this year, which has produced several free agent visits but only one new signing (cornerback Frank Walker), is just as much a reflection of the team's overall youth and untapped potential, which needs a chance to develop before any rash judgments on young, unproven players are made.

"I'm not saying we're set, but we need a little freedom on our team amongst our young guys so they have the freedom to grow," Thompson told a group of reporters at the annual owners' meetings in Phoenix on Tuesday. "You don't want to necessarily stifle them by adding three or four guys at a position because you might have some players there.

"I'm not saying we're on a wing ..

Leadership Transition Continues At Owners' Meetings

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:30:47 CST
The official changing-of-the-guard that will occur in Green Bay at the end of May is getting a head start this week in Phoenix.

That's where the annual NFL owners' meetings are taking place, and Packers' President and Chief Operating Officer John Jones is taking a more high-profile role while Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Harlan is saying some farewells.

Jones will succeed Harlan, who is retiring, as the team's CEO on May 30, and while he has maintained an active role in league doings in the past, this week marks the first time Jones is acting as the team's lead representative in most of the affairs covered at the annual meeting.

"It's going very well," Jones said in a phone interview from Phoenix on Monday. "It's what I've prepared for. I've served on the league committees before, and that's very important in terms of making sure not just that Green Bay has a seat at the table but that we're involved in the decision-making in so many key league ..

Packers Awarded Compensatory 7th Round Draft Pick

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:33:12 CST
The Packers have been awarded a compensatory 7th round draft choice in next month's NFL Draft, the league announced Monday at the owners' meetings.

Green Bay's extra selection will be the 33rd pick in the 7th round, the 243rd pick overall. It gives the Packers a total of nine picks in the upcoming draft, one in each of the first six rounds and three in the seventh round. The other extra seventh-round pick came via a 2005 trade of offensive lineman Steve Morley.

In all, 16 teams received a total of 32 compensatory picks, which are awarded based on a team's free-agent losses and signees the previous year.

In 2006, the Packers lost four free agents (center Mike Flanagan, linebacker Paris Lenon, kicker Ryan Longwell and quarterback Craig Nall) while signing three (safety Marquand Manuel, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett and cornerback Charles Woodson).

The 2007 compensatory selection will be the Packers' 23rd since the league began awarding them in 1994. ..

Packers To Play At Detroit On Thanksgiving

By Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:55:30 CST
The Green Bay Packers will be playing on Thanksgiving Day once again in 2007.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Monday at the annual owners' meetings in Phoenix that the Packers would play the Lions at Detroit's Ford Field at 11:30 a.m. (CT) on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007. The game will be nationally televised on FOX.

The rest of the team's schedule will be completed and released in April.

"I think it's very exciting," Packers President and Chief Operating Officer John Jones said. "The Packers will be on the national stage on Thanksgiving Day. That game attracts an awful lot of interest, and having a traditional rival like the Lions, it's a great showcase for both teams.

"I think anytime the Packers can be in that national spotlight, we are really the team all of America is looking at. That's a big positive for Green Bay and we welcome the opportunity."

The Packers last played on Thanksgiving in 2003, also in Detroit.

That g..

Catching Up With: Charlie Peprah

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:13:49 CST
Charlie Peprah is used to the pressure of playing on a big stage after finishing his collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2005.

Known for his big-play ability, the four-year collegiate starter looks to have the same impact for the Green and Gold heading into 2007 after largely contributing on special teams for the Pack last season.

Like CB Frank Walker, Peprah began his professional career with the New York Giants but now dreams of one day leaping into the stands at Lambeau Field.

Packers.com recently sat down with the ball-hawking safety to cover his offseason progress.

Packers.com: What have you been doing this offseason?
Peprah: I went back to Dallas. My former college teammate Shaud Williams (Buffalo Bills) met me down there. I stayed with him at my Mom's house, and we worked out, relaxed, refocused and helped my mom out with a couple things.

What kind of training did you do before coming back to..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:14:02 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

This week's collection of Packers Fan Memories consists of a train ride to see the Green and Gold, a young fan gets pretty tired after getting autographs at Packers Fan Fest and a resident from the state of New York travels to visit Lambeau.

I attended my first Packers/NFL game last season in Seattle for ESPN's Monday Night Football. My Uncle Russ and I traveled by train to Seattle, and even though the weather consisted of cold temperatures, wind and snow, I had a great time seeing the Packers for the very first time. Go Pac..

Catching Up With: Jason Hunter

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:07:27 CST
Jason Hunter was considered a long shot to make the Packers roster after signing with the Pack as a non-drafted free agent last May. Hunter proved his doubters wrong by not only being a part of the final 53, but becoming a valuable special teams player and reserve defensive end for the Green and Gold in 2006.

Having always had a knack for coming up with a big play in college, the former Appalachian State Mountaineer demonstrated his big-play ability by recovering the Packers' only onside kick of the 2006 season against the New York Jets.

After completing his rookie campaign, Hunter now is poised to not only be a part of the squad in 2007, but to make an impact at the defensive end position.

Packers.com recently sat down with the pass rusher to see if he could sack some of our random questions.

Packers.comWhat have you been doing to stay busy in the offseason?
Hunter:For the offseason I spent my time in Charlotte, N.C. with my ..

Competition Committee To Propose Rules Changes At NFL Owners' Meeting

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:08:00 CST
As part of a three-day annual meeting, the owners from each NFL team, along with first-year Commissioner Roger Goodell, will gather in Phoenix on Monday to discuss the state of the game and how they can improve it, including several rules changes to be recommended by the Competition Committee.

"We feel comfortable that the game is extremely competitive," Atlanta Falcons president/general manager and Competition Committee co-chairman Rich McKay said. "Since we went to the eight divisions of four teams a number of years back, we now have had 27 of the 32 teams qualify for the playoffs in that time period. We've also had 22 different divisional title winners, so we feel very good about where the game is from the standpoint of competitiveness, top to bottom.

"The key stats this year also were good in the sense that time of game was down to 3:04:07. That's basically three minutes less than the year before and obviously we like that. That's good for the game, good f..

Catching Up With: Vernand Morency

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:08:48 CST
After rushing for 421 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers in 2006, RB Vernand Morency wasted no time this offseason. His conditioning for 2007 began a week-and-a-half after the season finale vs. the Bears.

Besides staying in tip-top shape, Morency participated in many activities during his time away from Titletown by interning for Flintco Constructive Solutions and lending a helping hand when ABC's Extreme Home Makeover visited Lawton, Oklahoma.

A former Minor League Baseball player, Morency is now looking forward for the opportunity to carry the load for the Packers next season.

Packers.com recently sat down with the tailback to see if he could out run some of our random questions.

Packers.com: What have you been doing to stay busy this offseason?
Morency: I went to Oklahoma State, in Stillwater, Okla., for the offseason. I had the opportunity to intern with Flintco Constructive Solutions and see them work on Boone..

Catching Up With: Frank Walker

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 16:04:37 CST
When cornerback Frank Walker signed with the Green and Gold, he knew that life in Northeast Wisconsin would differ from that of the Big Apple, where he spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants.

During his time in New York, the sixth round pick out of Tuskegee totaled five starts, 52 tackles (43 solo) and picked off five passes.

A native of Alabama, Walker acknowledged that adjusting to a new city is challenging, but he is excited about making plays for the Pack in 2007.

Packers.com recently sat down with the newest members of the Packers' secondary to see if he could defend some of our random questions.

Packers.com: What is the biggest adjustment you have to make about moving from New York to Green Bay?
Walker: It has to be the weather and getting used to the new facilities, but it's been good so far. There is a real family atmosphere around here and you can tell that the staff is involved a lot with the team...

Packers Fan Memories

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:43:21 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

This week's collection of Packers Fan Memories consists of a Green and Gold supporter from South America, two young fans receive a gift they'll never forget, a father and son trip to Lambeau Field and more.

There are Packers fans all around the world, and I'm proud to be one of them! During my vacation to Los Angeles, I finally got my own Brett Favre replica jersey! Here I am wearing it for the first time. I've been a fan of the NFL for more than 13 years and have always watched games on TV. When I first started watching ..

Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:51:19 CST
Click here to register now!

This summer, the Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps bring non-contact football instruction to seven communities in Wisconsin.

For kids ages 6-14, our camps teach all football playing positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, defensive back, line play, kicking and punting.

Packers Camps also emphasize the importance of good health through nutrition, fitness and exercise.

Movement Screen, Body Scan Add Individual Focus To Off-Season Program

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:39:41 CST
Last year Head Coach Mike McCarthy's goal with his initial off-season program was to change the atmosphere and environment surrounding the workouts, creating a team dynamic that may have been lacking in the past.

This year, McCarthy and his staff are taking things a step further. With genuine optimism coming off a four-game winning streak to close the 2006 season and another increase in attendance expected for this year's off-season program, the Packers have added some significant individual components to complement the team aspect.

The highlights are two types of screening exams the players will undergo on Monday, the first day of the off-season program - a movement screening administered with the help of the Athletes' Performance Institute (API) in Arizona and a body scan using cutting-edge medical technology - both of which will be used to track players' progress throughout the duration of the off-season.

"We catered more to the group last year," McCarth..

Off-Season Strength And Conditioning Program Starts Monday

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:08:23 CST
In 2006, the Green Bay Packers made considerable improvement during the nearly four months between their 26-0 loss to the Chicago Bears in the season opener and their 26-7 victory over those same Bears in the season finale.

But Head Coach Mike McCarthy believes the next four months are going to be even more critical in the development of his team.

On Monday, March 19, the Packers will start their off-season strength and conditioning program, which will be conducted four days per week between the Don Hutson Center and the team's weight room in the lower level of Lambeau Field.

The program will last nine weeks, leading up to the team's mandatory mini-camp in mid-May, which will be followed by four weeks of organized team activities (OTAs) in June prior to the start of training camp in late July.

"I think our football team will develop more over these next four months than any other time between now and the season," McCarthy said.

"The No. 1 ..

Pro Shop Receives State Education Award

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:33:31 CST
The Packer Pro Shop was one of 13 recipients of the Business Friend of Education awards announced by State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster earlier this month.

The awards recognize the efforts of businesses and individuals around the state that provide work-based learning programs in partnership with local schools.

The Packer Pro Shop is involved in two such programs. One is a marketing co-op in which area high school students hold an outside job as part of a marketing class. The other is a work-experience program, in partnership with Green Bay West High School, which places students with disabilities into the work environment at the Pro Shop to provide them the skills and experience to succeed on their own as adults.

"Our managers and full-time and part-time staff are instrumental in helping these kids," said Kate Hogan, Packers director of retail operations. "They really take heart in working with them and preparing them and making sure they feel a part..

'95 Season A Proud One For Brooks

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:40:21 CST
Most of the recent inductees into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame have been able to reflect on the Super Bowl XXXI championship as their most memorable accomplishment as a Packer.

But Robert Brooks, who will be inducted this summer along with LeRoy Butler, missed that Super Bowl because of a season-ending knee injury sustained midway through the 1996 schedule.

So, while in Green Bay last weekend for Fan Fest, when he reflected on his most meaningful accomplishment as a Packer, Brooks looked back one more year, to 1995.

"They were predicting us to win possibly four games, because we had lost Sterling Sharpe and some other players," Brooks said. "I was able to be a part of that great run we had."

Was he ever. Taking over as the team's No. 1 receiver after the sudden retirement of Sharpe due to injury, Brooks caught 102 passes for 1,497 yards, a Packers single-season yardage record that still stands, and 13 touchdowns.

He helped lead the t..

NFL Network To Re-Air Week 2 Game Vs. Saints On Sunday

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 09:51:54 CST
The NFL Network, as part of its NFL Replay series, will re-air the Week 2 matchup between the Packers and Saints at Lambeau Field at 3 p.m. (CT) on Sunday.

The game featured rookie wide receiver Greg Jennings' first NFL touchdown and a three-sack effort from Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman against the eventual NFC runners-up.

The best four games from each week of the 2006 season are shown on NFL Replay every Sunday afternoon until the 17-week season concludes in July, with kickoffs at noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (all times Central).

Harlans Among 'Families of Distinction'

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:46:00 CST
Bob and Madeline Harlan have never gone about their community activities looking for any recognition.

But this year, the recognition found them.

The Harlans will be one of four families honored on Tuesday night at the eighth annual Green Bay-De Pere YWCA Families of Distinction dinner at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Packers President John Jones will be the keynote speaker at the event as well.

Harlan, the retiring Chairman and CEO of the Packers, and his wife have been involved in various community organizations during their 36 years in Green Bay, but Harlan noted that two recent projects have been particularly meaningful and perhaps led to this award.

Madeline, a nurse, was the honorary chairperson for the emergency room fund drive at St. Mary's Hospital on Green Bay's west side, an effort that raised more than $3.5 million, according to Harlan.

The Harlans also have been involved with the Libertas Treatment Center, a chemica..

NFL's First Trophy Included In NFL Films Production

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:30:01 CST
On Monday, March 12, the NFL Network will air a program that includes information about the NFL's first championship trophy, replicas of which reside in the Packers Hall of Fame.

The Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy is included in the NFL Films production "Back Road to the Super Bowl," which airs at 7 p.m. CT Monday on NFL Network (re-airing at 10 p.m. CT).

The program is a review of the 2006 season, with several untold stories, that also takes an occasional look back into history. One of the flashbacks is a brief segment about the Thorp trophy that includes footage from the Packers Hall of Fame, supplied by Packers.com, of the 1936 and 1939 replica trophies.

According to NFL Films research, the NFL's first trophy was named after Ed Thorp, a noted referee, rules expert, sporting goods dealer and friend to the Halas and Mara families, owners of the Bears and Giants, respectively. Thorp was a well-known college referee who officiated some of the greatest games of the..

Opportunity Knocks At Key Positions

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:14:25 CST
One man's departure is another's chance to step forward.

That's the way Head Coach Mike McCarthy views the two hits the Packers have taken in free agency, with running back Ahman Green and tight end David Martin leaving for other teams in the past week.

"The opportunity is wide open," McCarthy said in a visit with reporters during Fan Fest on Saturday.

In addressing the running back situation, McCarthy noted it's likely the team will bring in more halfbacks through free agency or the draft. But there are four backs on the roster in Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, Arliss Beach and P.J. Pope who will have a chance to prove they deserve at least some of the workload a six-time 1,000-yard rusher like Green carried.

"Morency had an excellent season for not being here for any of the camps and so forth," McCarthy said. "I thought he did a really good job learning our scheme and was productive when he was given an opportunity. Noah Herron has been very stead..

New Presentations, Autograph Process A Hit At Fan Fest

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:19:45 CST
The changes to Fan Fest appeared to be a hit at the Lambeau Field Atrium on Saturday.

This year, for the third annual event, Fan Fest added offense, defense and scouting "101" presentations on the main stage by offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders and director of college scouting John Dorsey that were well-attended.

"When I looked at the program, one of the things I wanted to be sure to see were the Offense and Defense 101," said Barb Pomasl of White Lake, Wis. "I love football, but I like to be able to understand it a little bit more."

The presenters appeared to accomplish that, using visual aids that included scheme diagrams similar to what coaches might use in their meeting rooms.

"I thought it was great," said Bill Pomasl, Barb's husband, after watching Sanders' defensive presentation. "I like the way he presented it, showing the plays and what they do, and he got into the verbiage like 'zone dog' and 'man-to-man..

Starr Makes Surprise Visit To Fan Fest

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 17:55:39 CST
It's not as though the dozens of current and former Green Bay Packers who came weren't enough, but there was one surprise visitor as the third annual Fan Fest kicked off on Friday night at the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr was an unannounced attendee, and the sellout gathering of 3,500 was clearly fired up about his presence. They gave him a standing ovation after being introduced during the kickoff event, and most of the 150 lucky recipients of the Starr autograph tickets that were randomly handed out lined up more than a half-hour early for the autograph session.

"This is the best thing that could have happened today," said Rob Adyniec of Waukesha, Wis., who along with his wife Kelly have been at all three Fan Fests and were the first in line to get Starr's autograph. "I'm very pleased. Now we're just waiting for the surprise of Brett Favre showing up."

While that wasn't likely to happen, the fans clearly hold both of the franc..

Packers Visit, Connect With Soldiers At Alaskan Military Base

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:19:12 CST
The five Green Bay Packers who visited Fort Wainwright, a U.S. Army base in Fairbanks, Alaska, probably don't realize it, but the morale boost they provided to some of the country's northernmost troops last week isn't going to fade away anytime soon.

"From my point of view, it was a visible shift in momentum," said David Neetz, the senior chaplain at Fort Wainwright. "Just like someone ran one back for a TD in a game. That momentum is going to carry on I'd say throughout the next year."

Packer players Noah Herron, Dave Rayner, Josh Bourke, Patrick Dendy and Kevin Barry just returned from Alaska a few days ago after spending nearly a week with the troops there. The excursion, which also included the New York Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson and the Houston Texans' Ben Steele, a former Packer, was arranged by Pastor Joe Urcavich from the Green Bay Community Church in Howard through his connections with Unlimited Potential, Inc., a Christian-based organization that works wi..

Coaching Staff Staying A Step Ahead

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:48:08 CST
It's a new and different off-season for the Green Bay Packers coaching staff.

Now that they've been together for essentially a full year, the coaches don't have any less work to do. But the responsibilities have changed from a year ago to the extent that their focus has shifted from the building and installation of 2006 to the potential progress and improvement in 2007, providing a palpable upbeat nature to the upcoming off-season program and college draft.

"We didn't do scheme evaluations last year of how we performed, analyzing plays and things of that nature, because we were building a playbook," offensive line coach James Campen said. "Now it's fun to be able to evaluate your own guys and see them working within an offense. Instead of speculating on a lot of people, we can see the offense, how it works, and how to make corrections."

The same goes for the defense, which has gone through the same thorough scheme evaluation. And whereas last year a playboo..

AP Story: Ahman Green Agrees To Terms With Texans

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 08:59:40 CST
The Houston Texans agreed to terms with free agent running back Ahman Green on Sunday. The 30-year-old former Green Bay Packer will likely become the starter for a team that struggled at the position last season after Domanick Williams -- formerly Davis -- missed the year with knee problems.

Green will be introduced at a 1 p.m. news conference in Houston on Monday, said Texans vice president of communications Tony Wyllie. Terms of the contract were not immediately available.

Houston also has a trio of inexperienced running backs in Wali Lundy, Chris Taylor and fellow former Green Bay player Samkon Gado. They also hope to re-sign free agent Ron Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner, who excelled late last season after years of struggles.

Green had 266 carries for 1,059 yards last season after returning from a torn right quadriceps in 2005. He missed two games last season because of lingering effects from the injury.

It marked his sixth 1,000-yard..

McCarthy's Former Boss Impressed

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:38:22 CST
As the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator in 2005, Mike McCarthy experienced first-hand the implementation of a new program by a first-time head coach, Mike Nolan.

Leaning on Nolan at times for advice, McCarthy successfully established his program in Green Bay in 2006, and his former boss is impressed with what he's seen from the Packers and McCarthy thus far.

"I thought in totality he did an outstanding job," Nolan said in an interview with Packers.com from the NFL Scouting Combine late last week. "Naturally it started a little bit slow, as it did for us even, but he finished strong, which is the way you want to finish a season."

Nolan did that with a struggling 49ers team in 2005, bouncing back from a 2-12 start to win the final two games and finish 4-12. San Francisco then improved by three more wins in 2006, to 7-9.

"It helps you build into the next year, and that's a better indicator of how you're doing than starting fast," Nolan said. ..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:27:22 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

This week's collection of Packers Fan Memories includes Donald Driver as an honorary 3rd grade classmate, a Christmas present that is sure to never be forgotten and a Packers supporter from the Rocky Mountains.

Before the October 8, 2006, Packers vs. Rams game, Donald Driver acknowledged the poster which my third-grade class signed to thank him for inviting us to his TV show with an opportunity to meet him afterwards. The December 4, 2006, meeting with Donald Driver in the VIP room was beyond sensational for my students. He ..

Red Zone Woes Traced To First Down

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:00:56 CST
When asked last week at the NFL Scouting Combine how the Packers can improve their red-zone offense, Head Coach Mike McCarthy didn't give the answer many were expecting.

He didn't say the Packers needed to land a big-time playmaker in the offseason to be a go-to guy in the red zone. Not to say that wouldn't help, because a team can never have enough playmakers. But he didn't point the finger at the team's personnel for the struggles, which resulted in just 16 touchdowns over 49 possessions that crossed the opponent's 20-yard line, a .327 success rate that ranked second from the bottom in the league.

Instead, his answer was much more analytical and in tune with having recently completed (along with the rest of his coaching staff) the scheme evaluation and self-scouting for 2006 that helps to identify key areas to emphasize during preparation for the upcoming season.

"Watching the red zone, ... it's the production on first down," McCarthy said. "It's somethin..